"Count the Cost"*

The title above was counsel given by a man of great wisdom*. The biggest mistake I've seen people make when adopting a dog is not researching. They see one of those cute designer dog breeds and assume that is the type of dog they want. They don't research how much they cost (including price, food, medical, insurance, toys, beds, etc), the behavior traits of the breed, if they're family friendly, dog-friendly, people-friendly, or if they are hypoallergenic. All of these things are important!

* Jesus - Luke 14:28.

Research the Breeds

When I first started searching for dogs I had 2 primary things to consider: breed behavior traits and if the breed is hypoallergenic. 

It's important to note that different dog breeds have different behavior traits. When I was looking for dogs, I initially thought that I wanted a Labrador or a Jack Russell. However, both of these dogs tend to be highly energetic. Labradors are very good with families and children. However, they need lots of exercise and things to keep them entertained and out of trouble. I couldn't offer that. So I researched breeds of dogs that were highly adaptable to their environments. I came across Schnauzers and Golden-doodles. Both were family-friendly, non-aggressive, and adaptable. But only 1 made the cut.


The other consideration I had to make was my family members are allergic to dander in the hair of dogs that shed a lot. So finding a dog breed that was hypo-allergenic was necessary. Hypo-allergenic DOES NOT MEAN the dog doesn't shed. It means a dog is less-likely to cause allergies in humans because the dog doesn't shed as often. And because of this, Schnauzers took the win!

My advice to those looking to adopt a new puppy is consider the needs of your family and research which dog breeds would fit best into them. It's not fair to the dog, nor yourself, if you adopt a dog that you can't keep or maintain.

Cost

We got the preliminary research out the way but let's get to the meat of this: how much does owning a dog cost? When I researched this, I made a chart and narrowed down expenses (see below). As you can see the most expensive costs are Initial, or when you first get the dog. It's like getting ready for a new-born baby, except this is a fur-baby. So no need for a college fund. LOL! Now Adoption fees will vary depending on dog breeds and age. The younger the dog, the more expensive it is.

Insurance vs Wellness Plans

What I didn't know before buying a dog is that there is a difference between dog insurance and a wellness plan. Pet insurance generally covers unexpected events. Whereas wellness plans cover routine care for a dog. I found out through experience that many veterinary offices do not accept insurance plans the way human medical insurance works. Usually, you pay out of pocket at the vet, send that invoice from the vet to the insurance company, and the insurance will reimburse you a percentage of the invoice. There are many insurance companies and often they have a separate wellness plan you can purchase along with insurance. I suggest contacting the veterinary office you plan to take your dog to and ask them what plans they accept. Currently, I use SPOT Pet Insurance and their wellness plan.

Let me help outline the key differences:

Pet Insurance

* Unexpected illness or injury
* Trips to the Emergency

Pet Wellness Plans

* Preventive care
* Vaccinations
* Exam fees
* Spay/neuter

Hopefully this has helped you in your search for a new dog. I have so much more to share as I learn new things each week about my fur baby. Shoot me a message below. I would love to hear about your dog journey!

Later Beach Bums!

Questions?

Send me an email! - ThatBeachChic@gmail.com

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